House · HR 1107 · 119th Congress
Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025
Summary
This bill lets certain VA doctors and health care workers prescribe controlled medications to veterans through video or phone visits. They do not need to see the veteran in person first. The health care worker must have a valid license and must prescribe the drug for a real medical reason.
In Favor
Many veterans live far from VA facilities and cannot easily travel for in-person visits. This bill lets licensed VA providers prescribe needed medications through video or phone calls instead. Veterans get faster access to treatment without missing care because of distance or disability.
Against
Prescribing controlled substances without an in-person exam removes a key safety check for doctors. A physical visit helps providers spot signs of addiction or misuse that a video call may miss. Skipping that step creates real risk when prescribing drugs that can cause serious harm.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill lets certain VA health care workers prescribe controlled drugs to veterans through video or phone visits. It removes the rule that required an in-person exam before prescribing those drugs.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill stays focused on its core purpose. All provisions relate to letting VA health care workers prescribe controlled substances through telemedicine.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Veterans who use VA health care can receive controlled drug prescriptions without visiting a clinic. VA health care employees gain new prescribing authority, and the VA must write new rules.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill requires the VA to create new regulations, which places administrative costs on the agency. No dollar amounts, fees, or formal cost estimates appear in the available sources.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The VA must write rules and guidelines before this authority fully works. Health care professionals must still meet all existing drug control laws, which may create compliance hurdles.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 9/8/2026